Work can be difficult and stressful, particularly because you have to follow strict rules, commute and take part in mentally exhausting office politics. This is why a big part of the population currently works from home, but many will wonder whether is it possible to find a work-from-home job that is both interesting and that can pay the bills. Being able to live comfortably off your chosen profession is the most important thing one should look for in a job – the opportunity to be engaged creatively and care about the actual work you are doing takes a close second spot. In this modern internet era, there are a fair number of jobs that fit the bill, both in terms of earnings and excitement, and we will be looking at some of the best examples.
A few things you should know before considering working from home
When you work from home, there is always the issue of productivity, and it is a multifaceted problem. You will need to keep several things in mind if you wish to succeed, most notably the fact that it is still a job which requires a well-defined work schedule and an optimized office environment. It can be difficult to avoid procrastination and you will need to invest some money in setting up a decent home office, so just keep in mind that you will have to develop a strong work ethic before you can turn any of the jobs listed below into a full-time career.
1. Online assistant
Plenty of people are looking for good assistants, but don’t really want to hire someone full-time or find it cheaper and easier to hire someone online. If you choose to be a virtual assistant, you don’t need to run after someone and fetch them coffee, you will have plenty of tasks that require creative thinking and good problem solving skills, and you will be looking at $10-$30 an hour for your troubles. With a little time and practice, you will be able to develop an impressive portfolio and keep advancing your career.
2. Online fitness trainer
If you have a professional background in exercise and nutrition, or if you are just someone who trains hard and understands the fitness game, looking to get a certificate and start doing some coaching, then online fitness training is definitely a good career choice. Depending on your certifications and the number of clients, you will be looking at different paychecks, but even at an entry level – before you have built a reputation – you can expect to earn about $30.000 a year. The best thing is that you can also offer e-books, run a blog, get sponsorships and sell training and nutrition related products to supplement your income.
3. Web Developer
If you have a knack for it, web development can be fairly easy to get into and develop a strong knowledge base. It may take a while to actually get good at it, but all you really need to do the job is a decent computer, a simple desk and a comfortable chair. With an average annual salary of $53,036, it’s safe to say that you will have plenty of motivation to hone your skills and glue yourself to the monitor. The online market is incredibly vast, so if you know what you are doing there, it will be no shortage of work for you.
4. Translator
Many of us have been raised bilingual or have learned one or two foreign languages in school or as a hobby. If you were thinking of taking your knowledge of a particular language to a new level and getting certified as a translator, rest assured that this can be a wise career choice. The rates vary a lot, depending on the skill and experience, so a translator can earn $22,031 – $82,647 a year. If you are serious about it and if you are a work hard kind of person, particularly if you have mastered a language that not a lot of people can effectively translate or if you know multiple languages – e.g. Russian, English, Mandarin – you can expect to be on the higher end of that scale.
As you can see, doing something that keeps you engaged and motivated, and from the comfort of your home no less, can actually allow you to live comfortably. Consider these interesting jobs if they are within your sphere of interest, but also know that there are plenty of other hidden gems just waiting for you online.